1988 BMW 520 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 190 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1988 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW 520 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
Model | 520 | Beetle |
Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 129 HP | 197 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
Torque | 174 Nm | 281 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 92 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1380 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4278 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1808 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1486 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2537 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 10.3 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |